BRANCHIAL POUCH SINUS TRACT FROM THE PIRIFORM FOSSA CAUSING ACUTE SUPPURATIVE THYROIDITIS, NECK ABSCESS, OR BOTH - CT APPEARANCE AND THE USE OF AIR AS A CONTRAST AGENT

OBJECTIVE. Our objective was to describe the CT appearance of acute su ppurative thyroiditis and neck abscess associated with a congenital si nus tract arising from the piriform fossa. In addition, we describe ou r observations on the use of air as a contrast agent during CT of the pharynx. CONCLUSION, The thyroid is extremely resistant to acute bacte rial infection; hence, when such an infection does occur, an underlyin g anomaly of the thyroid should be suspected, particularly when the in fection is recurrent. In such a case, sonography or CT must be used to confirm the diagnosis of acute thyroiditis, neck abscess, or both. Th en the sinus tract must be revealed by barium esophagography, CT scann ing that uses air as a contrast agent, or endoscopy.